Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: New to riding, ridercourse, 250r

Question
I am looking to start riding and I was wondering if you have any tips as to what bike/size/brand of bike I should get. I am looking for a sport bike, and I was looking at the Kawasaki Nina 250r or 500r. Would either of those be a good choice, or should I look somewhere else? thanks a lot!

Answer
The bike that you decide on should fit you for height and how it feels. Both of the bikes you mentioned are very good choices for a first bike. Please recognize that although they are only 250cc or 500cc both are relatively powerful since they are set up for sport type performance.

It is my belief that it is a good idea to buy a used motorcycle for your first bike. There are some excellent deals to be found if you shop around. The benefit of a used bike is it lets you gain experience on the bike with less investment and many times you may be able to resell the bike to a new rider when you decide it is time to move up to a different motorcycle. Also, if you happen to scratch the bike you have less invested.

I highly recommend you take the MSF Basic RiderCourse as a new rider if you haven't already taken the course. You will get to ride on a motorcycle owned by the training entity and determine if motorcycling is for you.

Good luck and please let me know how you make out. Also, feel free to contact me if you have further questions.

Tom